Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 6: Demanding strict action against the accused persons, Non-Gazetted Forest Officers Association (NGFOA) J&K, has strongly condemned the attack on a Forest Range official of Range Rajwar, who was allegedly assaulted by miscreants during an eviction drive on Friday.
In an emergency meeting of the NGFOA held at Jammu, its president, R S Parihar said that this cowardly and deplorable act against a public servant discharging duties is highly unfortunate and unacceptable. He said such attacks not only endanger the lives of Forest personnel but also undermine the rule of law and the efforts being made to protect and conserve forest resources.
Parihar said Forest officials are performing their duties with dedication and courage despite numerous challenges and risks associated with field operations. It is a matter of grave concern that till date, around 113 Forest personnel have laid down their lives in the line of duty, while carrying out forest protection activities, including fire-fighting operations, anti-smuggling, eviction drives etc.
The Association also expressed serious concern over the longstanding issues faced by Forest personnel. It said despite the hazardous nature of their duties, Forest field staff is not being provided benefits such as risk allowance and the 2.5 days’ additional pay admissible for arduous field duties. Further, there is an acute shortage of field staff due to non-filling up of vacant posts through regular recruitment. As a result, many officials are compelled to manage multiple beats, blocks and other field assignments.
The Association has urged the authorities to ensure that the culprits involved in Rajwar (Kashmir) incident are identified and brought to justice at the earliest. It also called for strengthening security of Forest personnel engaged in field duties.
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